Five years ago, Angela Antonello saw moving truck boutiques all across Venice Beach in California. She was drawn to the idea of clothes and accessories packed into a tiny, mobile shop and thought about opening one in Syracuse.

When she told people about her idea, they weren't as enthusiastic about it as she'd hoped. They tried to convince her the Upstate New York weather and lack of beaches would make it a challenge.

The idea never left Antonello's head, and when she found a 1990 rescue truck in Watertown last September, she knew that was her chance to create that California-style boutique. Even with little truck driving experience, she didn't hesitate to buy it and drive home. Her brother then worked on renovations and turned it into Syracuse's first moving fashion truck.

Antonello, the founder of Fashion Rescue 911, felt like she was finally living her dream. She went from being a hairstylist of 30 years to a paralegal, then decided to sell leggings from her basement.

"No matter where I worked or what I did, I always had this creative, entrepreneurial spirit," she said.

Antonello wanted to keep the spirit of the rescue truck, so she left it red and came up with the name Fashion Rescue 911. The truck makes stops at different venues around the city, such as hair salons, the Chicken Wing Festival, Syracuse Nationals, and any private events.

"Not all women still work the regular nine-to-five job," she said. "They get off work, they're tired and the last thing they want to do is go to the mall. So I came up with the motto, 'We stop, you shop.'"

The rescue truck, however, doesn't drive well in the winter. Antonello's customers weren't thrilled to see her shop close during the cold months, so she rented a small space and turned the boutique into a pop-up shop. Regular customers came all winter and convinced her to open a permanent store.

She opened the Fashion Rescue 911 boutique in July in downtown Baldwinsville. The Oswego Street storefront offers more items than the truck while still including a range from athletic wear and jeans, to jewelry and the little black dress. Antonello is also a believer in supporting small businesses and features products from other local vendors.

She says the size variation from small to 3XL and her affordable prices are what set Fashion Rescue 911 apart from other boutiques in the area.

"No matter what size, age or demographic, it's hard to feel like you fit in so I want this place to make other people feel as comfortable as possible," she said. "I've made this my full-time job because I love making other women feel good."